Prime blocks earmarked for development

Three prime pieces of land in Bunbury have been taken off the market after the State’s leading land development agency identified the blocks as having development potential.

Bunbury City Council will enter into an agreement with LandCorp to further investigate potential development and sale of the three sites.

Among the sites is the former Punchbowl Caravan Park on Ocean Drive which has been for sale for more than 10 years.

Another is a block of land in the Stables Precinct where the council’s existing depot and former Bunbury State Emergency Services building are located.

A slice of land at the corner of Spencer and Clarke streets, adjacent to Hands Oval is the final site identified and has been earmarked for a possible residential development.

Mayor Gary Brennan said he expected LandCorp would also talk to the owners of another vacant block of land opposite Hands Oval.

He said an initial investigation by LandCorp identified the three sites and further studies into the potential of the land was a positive step for the city.

“Particularly the Punchbowl site — it has been vacant for a long time and previous councils have been unsuccessful in selling it,” he said.

“It would be a good outcome for a potential purchaser and the community and any development would create jobs and increase our rates base.

“With LandCorp’s experience and expertise, I am optimistic they can attract the buyers for the sites to reach its potential.”

Responding to whether other blocks of land were considered by LandCorp — in particular Lot 66 Ocean Drive, which has had several unsuccessful ventures — Mr Brennan said the three sites had been prioritised.

“At the moment they’re the three we’re concentrating on,” he said.

“We’ve had lengthy discussions with LandCorp ... they believe those sites they can bring to the market.”

Mr Brennan also said the sale of Cornwall Street decked carpark was still being negotiated and an outcome was expected in the next month.